HSSN – Individual Assignment Final - CB002873

HSSN - Individual Project HF09B1COM

Table of Contents

1.0 Problem Analysis....................................................................................................3

1.1 Requirement Specification..................................................................................3

1.1.1 Direct Requirements.....................................................................................3

1.1.2 Indirect Requirements..................................................................................4

1.2 Research on Requirement Specification.............................................................5

1.3 Assumptions.....................................................................................................13

1.4 Scope................................................................................................................14

1.5 Scope Limitation...............................................................................................14

2.0 Evaluation............................................................................................................15

3.0 Conclusion...........................................................................................................20

4.0 Diagrams..............................................................................................................22

4.1 Overall Network Diagram..................................................................................22

4.2 LAN Diagram....................................................................................................24

5.0 References...........................................................................................................26

6.0 Bibliography..........................................................................................................27

7.0 Appendix..............................................................................................................29

7.1 Gantt Chart.......................................................................................................29

List of Figures

1


Figure 1 - ICT Resources Network Diagram..................................................................22

Figure 2 - Local Area Network Diagram.........................................................................24

List of Tables

Table 1 - Types of Internet Connections..........................................................................8

Table 2 - Advantages and Disadvantages of network Architectures..............................16

2


1.0 Problem Analysis

The core requirement of the company is to make sure that all its branches in the

strategic locations as well as the local office are well networked in order to maintain a

worry-free communication among its subsidiaries. Therefore, this would enable users of

the organization to access information regardless to the geographic area they belong to.

Additionally, network should be cost-effective, fast, and most importantly should include

high privacy in communication.

1.1 Requirement Specification

1.1.1 Direct Requirements

Network Architecture within the local building

o Implement a network solution for the local 3-storey building consisting

more than 30 employees.

o Identify the types of machines and the number of components required for

the 3 storey building.

Connecting the 3 strategic locations with the local building

o Connect the company’s 3 strategic locations using a cost-effective and

scalable network.

3


4


1.1.2 Indirect Requirements

Internet Connectivity

o The company should have internet connectivity that enables users to

complete various tasks online and share data among various branches.

Security and Privacy

o The communication among the network within the organization and the 3

strategic locations should maintain a high level of privacy and security.

Transmission Media

o Define the most suitable transmission media for the appropriate networks.

Backup

o There should be a mechanism in which the network should be robust and

make sure alternative paths are always available.

5


1.2 Research on Requirement Specification

Network Architecture within the Local Building

Peer-to-Peer

In this type of architecture, two or more computers (nodes) share common

resources such as hard disks, printers with each other in the network. There is no

restriction in accessing data as each and every node in the network is capable of

communicating directly. Due to this, the information is considered to be

decentralized which is totally the opposite of the Client-Server Architecture. This

is more suitable for small and inexpensive network solutions. As per the security

concerned, each of the nodes maintains its own security which could be difficult

to maintain when an organization looks for expansion.

Client-Server Architecture

The nodes in this type of network are connected to a centralized dedicated

machine and are controlled by it. All protocols and security measures are defined

by the server which also defines the rules on the specific network. This also

provides faster communications among the networks and all tasks carried out in

the network can be tracked since all processes such as printing and web

requested should go through the fileserver. The maintenance of the network

becomes very easy since the applications used by the client machines are stored

in the fileserver. Therefore upgrades and installations need to be done by the

network administrator only in the fileserver which in result upgrades all the

connected machines simultaneously. If a two clients needs to communicate with

each other, this also takes place through the fileserver which receives specific

messages and gets routed accordingly.

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Connecting the 3 strategic locations with the local building

For this specific purpose, there are several options that would cater the

requirement. The following are few of the available mechanisms.

Leased Lines

Leased Line is a method in which communication lines are rented for private use.

It can makes use of copper wire, radio links or optical fiber to provide data

communication and supports a huge number of simultaneous users using a

dedicated line between two points. The costs for the leased lines vary based on

the distance, speed and the bandwidth. The users get an all-time up connection

without any drop in the speeds of communication. Therefore if a company

purchases a 128kbps and the average usage is 64kbps, the cost would be the

same. The cost for implementation and maintenance is considered to be very

high as the distance increases. Additionally, the addition of a new branch or

building to the network could cause a lot of difficulties in upgrading the network.

Virtual Private Networks (VPN)

VPN is one of the most upcoming and cost effective ways of securely

transmitting data which makes use of a public telecommunication

infrastructure such as the internet to enable individuals and remote offices

to access information. By this mechanism, it eradicates the high cost of

owning private systems and leased lines but the availability and

performance highly depends on external factors which may not be under

an organizations control. It does not have any extra implementation cost

while it is considered to be reasonably secured during the communication

process of two private networks.

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There are few techniques in which VPN could be configured:

o MPLS VPN Network Connectivity

This is an end-to-end circuit technology which is known as

multiprotocol as it integrates several protocols such as IP,

Frame Relay and ATM protocols. It allows the switching

layer to forward most of the packets rather than the routing

layer (L3). It also enhances the service by providing network

administrators to define specific paths that the traffic would

take and additionally it allows to "set performance

characteristics" to groups of traffic thus improving quality of

service. (Das. M, n.d)

o IPLC Connectivity

IPLC, a point-to-point private line used to communicate

between networks that are dispersed throughout the world is

an alternative to MPLS which uses complex computations in

order to choose the quickest path to route the data "based

on the destination IP". It makes use of the layer 3 in order to

establish paths of delivering data. It is considered to have

some drawback when compared to MPLS, when setting

performance characteristics and administration tasks. (Das.

M, n.d)

8


Internet Access for the local building

There are numerous ways of implementing a Internet Connection for the building

as mentioned in the table below:

(Turpen. A, n,d)

9

Table 1 - Types of Internet Connections

Connection Type Description Downlink Speeds

Dial-up Uses a modem connected to the pc and

dials using the telephone line. Cheap

solution but a unreliable connection.

2400bps to 56Kbps

ISDN Uses telephone line to send voice, data

and video. Faster than dial up.

64 Kbps to 128 Kbps.

DSL Connected via a modem or router.

Requires a telephone connection but

does not interfere with it. Very reliable

and easy to set up.

Up to 24Mbps

(ADSL2+)

Wireless Uses radio frequencies to connect to the

internet. An always up connection and

delivers to a greater distance.

Up to 1Gbps

Satellite Speeds depend on the location. Most

expensive solution for the cost of the

connection as well as equipment. Very

useful in rural areas.

Up to 1Gbps


As per the above table, there are several factors that should be considered in selecting

the appropriate type to suit the desired requirements. Few of the main factors are:

Speed

This is one of the key factors that could affect the efficiency of an organization.

The speed should be sufficient enough to cater the everyone in the network.

Therefore, the speed should be at an acceptable rate even though it would be

distributed among a number of users. Even though a connection that supports

high speeds has been chosen, there are several categories within them with a

variety of speeds.

Availability/ Coverage

There are number of possibilities that a desired type of connection would not be

available to a specific area due to various reason. Therefore it should be checked

and clarified via the ISP before the service has been purchased. Additionally, it

should be identified if it could cover the desired area as well.

Cost

According to table 2, the various categories belong to different cost structures.

The cost depends mainly on the technology, devices used and especially the

speed it provides. Based on the operations using the internet and the amount of

users, the connection would vary. Some types charge according to the usage

while others are charged on a fix fee regardless to the bandwidth used.

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Transmission Media

There are several types of transmission media that could be used in networking.

These are classified as Guided and Unguided Media. Selection of the

transmission media would depend on various factors such as the geographical

location, distance limitations between the nodes, cost and the speed. The

following table consists of various transmission media and its various qualities.

Twisted Pair

These are one of the oldest cables that have been used in

telecommunication which makes use of insulated wires twisted together in

order improve efficiency by reducing cross talk and the “noise generated

by adjacent pairs”. (Cisco Systems Inc., 2003) When two cables placed

close to each other, the equally opposite magnetic fields within them tend

to cancel each other out. Therefore by the use of twisting the cables, it

overcomes the “cancellation effect”. (Cisco Systems Inc., 2003)

There are two types such as Unshielded (UTP) and Shielded Twisted Pair

(STP) cables. The latter protects and adds security by the metallic foil

wrapper. Each pair is wrapped and all of the pairs are wrapped by a

universal cover such as a metallic braid or foil. Even though STP gives

more protection, it may cost more and installation could be complicated.

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Coaxial Cable

These consists a single wire surrounded by a conductor. The wire is made

of two conductors in which one is copper. This consists of another outer

wire which is wrapper by metallic braid which helps reduce the outside

interference. Coax cables work at similar speeds such as twisted pair and

supports from 10-100Mbps but can be cabled over long distances (up to

500m) than the twisted pair which supports only 100m. Additionally, it is

quite expensive per unit when compared with twisted pair cables.

(Austin. A, 2009)

Wireless Communication

This type of communication belongs to the Unguided category which

makes use of Radio Frequency or Infrared Frequency to transmit data

among networks. Therefore, in order for a computer to receive the signals,

the machine should have an adaptor installed. Since the signals are

electromagnetic waves, it does not require an physical medium to travel

as it could travel in the vacuum through a medium of air. (Cisco Systems

Inc., 2003).

Wireless connections are used mostly in the following scenarios:

Connecting to the internet via the mobile phone

Home or business connection via satellite

A network within two handheld devices

Use of wireless devices such as keyboards and other devices

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Fiber Optic Cables

These are the most expensive type of cable used in data communication

which is thinner than the human hair. It is made out of glass and makes

use of light signals to transfer data across the cable. It is also considered

relatively very fast as light signals move at a greater speed with higher

capacities. It is less prone to signal attenuation when compared to copper

cables and as a result, requires only less power since it does not require

high-voltage transmitters. (Freudenrich, C, 2008) And this is considered to

be one of the most clear communication mediums; while it also bears a

huge sum of investment for maintenance and upgrades.

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1.3 Assumptions

Locations: Headquarters – Malaysia, Kuala Lampur. Other Branches – Sri Lanka,

Colombo. Thailand, Bangkok. Indonesia, Manila.

Existing Network: There is no existing network available.

Number of users and Priority Levels: All strategic locations have around 35-40

employees. And there are 3 departments namely IT, Sales and HR in the local building.

There is no special priority regardless to the Network Administrator in the IT

department.

Data types: Common types of data would include excel files, account information,

reports and web pages. Majority of the data would be text and images with a small

amount video and voice communication.

Data sources: Data will be sent and received from all strategic locations. Data will be

produced by applications from Windows XP and Vista 32 bit. Applications such as

Microsoft Office packages and other accounting packages will be used. Note that the

network won't be accessible by the outside.

Load Variation: Most traffic would be generated during the morning between 8.00am to

5.00pm on weekdays and from 9.00am to 2.00pm on Saturdays. Traffic is minimal in the

night and during Sundays. Therefore the network should cater the needs of the peak

times and avoid any complaints from the user.

Security: A firewall will be used in order to prevent unauthorized access while each and

every user will be given an username and password that provides some limitations as

well.

Budget: Not specifically mentioned. Considered as high budgeted project that could

cater all requirements of the company as mentioned.

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1.4 Scope

The scope of this thesis would adhere to specific areas of the requirements. The

following are the areas that would be covered in this report.

The Local Area Network(LAN) and the internet connectivity within the local

building located in Malaysia.

The network solution to make sure all 4 buildings could communicate via a

secure network with privacy and security measures included.

A way to provide a backup solution in case a network segment goes offline in the

local building.

A centralized network architecture that enables all the machines to be controlled

by a single server.

Controlling web traffic within the local building and imposing restrictions to

improve quality and the bandwidth.

Limiting access and adding restrictions for user interaction with other

departments.

1.5 Scope Limitation

In contrast to the above scope, the below mentioned won't be discussed in this report.

The LAN and the Internet Connection solution of the 3 strategic locations.

A VOIP system that enables the employees communicate among departments.

Enabling users to login remotely to the network.

Mechanisms to control mail servers.

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2.0 Evaluation

Network Architecture

ICT Resources has a 3 storey building which has total 35-40 employees. The network

should be easily upgradable, ability to fix problems efficiently thus improving the

productivity without interfering with the daily-basis tasks. Additionally, it should be able

to control and monitor the tasks in the network in order to measure the key performance

indicator and the efficiency of the network.

As described, the peer-to-peer architectures is less costly and easy to implement for

small networks. It also provides sharing of data among all connected nodes and is also

able of having backups of all nodes among each other which is a way to prevent

damages as a whole. And security wise, it has almost no security as anyone could

access information if they are connected to the network. Therefore this may suit more to

small businesses with a low budget with less than 10 employees who will need share

data equally among each other.

On the other hand, the Client-Server architecture is capable of managing a collection of

computers connected to network from a single centralized device. This also helps track

each and every task carried out in the network. As the implementation cost is very high

this may not be cost effective for smaller group since it has hardware as well as

software costs. The factor that matters the most is the highest security that is provided.

The centralized server could be configured so that different users are give different

authorizations and privileges thus improving security as well as control. Therefore, for a

company looking for the best solution in terms of control, security and efficiency; this

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type of architecture will suit the most even though the cost may seem to be relatively

higher.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the two Network Architectures

Peer-to-peer Client-Server

Advantages Less Expensive and easy set up All tasks can be tracked

No need of an administrator Centralized Data

Backing up in other pc’s Configurable Security & Control

Shared peripherals Easily scalable

Hardware and Software are optimized centrally

for multiple users

Disadvantages Lack of security and control Expensive to setup

Cannot trace the network Requires a dedicated server

No centralized administration Expensive to maintain

Difficult to expand

Slow performance as all nodes act

as Clients and Servers

Difficult to upgrade and maintain

Table 2 - Advantages and Disadvantages of Network Architectures

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Internet Connectivity

As per the latest advancements, there are so many alternatives available for internet

connection. Speed and bandwidth has been an issue in using internet for the past few

years. Users tend to use a lot of resources online such as streaming videos, VoIP,

images and other sorts of high-bandwidth content. Even information sharing has

advanced to the extent which thousands of megabytes are transferred on a daily basis

in the corporate world.

The most widely used internet connection are either based on ADSL, Broadband or

other wireless technologies such as Wi-Max. ADSL and Broadband are widely used in

homes and small business that is capable of supporting general user needs. Wi-Max is

mostly used in organizations that requires a greater coverage to a large number of

users. The cost varies based on the type and package and few other factors. These

technologies require additional hardware for implementation.

When the term leased line is used, many get the interpretation that it is very costly. But,

the most important feature of a leased line is that it is always up and provides the

maximum bandwidth and equal speeds for both uplink and downlink unlike ADSL and

Broadband which has different speed for downlink and a relatively lower speed for

uplink. Additionally, leased line are very reliable and provides the highest security since

the line belongs to the organization as a whole. Another misinterpretation in the concept

of leased lines are that it is only using copper wires. Leased lines could be a dedicated

connection using Radio Links (Wi-Max) or Optical Fiber as well.

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Transmission Media

Similarly to the other aspects, selecting the best type depends on various factors. The

main emphasis should be the distance and the data rate. There are limitations of

distance in guided transmission types such as copper cables and twisted pair cables

while some unguided mediums such as radio links require transmitters in order to

regenerate the signals for greater distances. When comparing guided media such as

fiber optics and twisted pair, we could identify some pros and cons in each of them.

Twisted pair cables are relatively cheap and easier to implement. But it has limitations in

the length of the wires. Additionally, it may be impractical to run cables around

computers of big networks which could also result in bandwidth inefficiencies.

Regarding security concerns, these could face problems due to inexpensive devices

used.

Optical fiber is considered as the most secure and efficient modes of guided media. As

it delivers data in digital signals via light , the process is much quicker and reliable over

distant networks. The major drawback of optical fiber is its cost of the implementation

and maintenance as well as the components. But due to the rise in the use of this

technology, the cost seems to be falling apart in the long run.

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Wireless transmissions are mostly considered when it is quite unrealistic to lay cables.

These make use of microwave, radio or infrared signals in order to communicate among

stations. One of the major drawbacks are the limited spectrum provided by these

mediums. For example, setting up Wi-Max could be a wise decision to cover up a large

network area if the location is somewhat close to a base station of the ISP. Therefore it

would be one of the best ways to implement large networks in urban areas. But

availability becomes a problem when considered in rural areas where most factories

and warehouses are located. One of the best features in these is that you could freely

reallocate your device without an additional cost while the down time is low. Additionally

there won't be any disturbance to the network when a new device is connected which is

an important factor for an office environment.

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3.0 Conclusion

In this report, a local network solution, internet connectivity as well as a solution that

could connect the company with its branches located in different countries was to be

presented. It was found that there were several technologies and mechanisms that were

available in order to achieve the core requirements as well as the indirect requirements.

Each of these technologies and its pros and cons were presented and compared among

them.

For the local area network, it was discussed that a peer-to-peer was a easy-to-install

and less costly solution to implement. However, ICT Resource Malaysia has a 3-storey

building that consists of 40 employees, and they also look forward to future expansions.

Therefore the client-server architecture would be the best solution that could cater all

their needs as it is quite easy to expand and control the network from a centralized

location. As in for the transmission media for the LAN, it was found out that there were

similar categories with various sub options available among them. Coaxial cables could

help connecting over longer distances while it also had a secure covering to reduce

noise. Since the office would require around 40 computers and other devices to be

networked, coaxial cable would be too bulky to maintain the space. Therefore shielded

twisted pair cables of would be a better option in order to provide a secure and reliable

service for a network across 3 storey's of the building.

Another requirement of this study was to identify the most suited internet connection for

the local building. ADSL could be considered as an internet option since its availability is

relatively high while it could also be a cheaper than other options available. Regardless

to the cost, however, with the availability of leased line wireless internet connectivity,

choosing Wi-Max would be the best and cost effective solution that could cater all the

in-house needs. It also suits an office environment with a plan of expansion and a

21


dedicated bandwidth for a number of users. It allows mobility and to connect to the

network within the range of the connection using portable devices as well, while the

wireless technology would eradicate the problem of unnecessary cabling and thus help

to easily install and include many users. Therefore, a dedicated 2Mbps Wi-Max

connection would be suitable for this organization with a backup connection of 1Mbps

ADSL.

As per the secure transmission among the 3 strategic locations, it was discussed that

leased lines were the most reliable because it was an fully dedicated line between the

strategic locations. But it would impractical to lay down cables for 3 countries located at

a great distance. Additionally the cost of addition of a new location would create a huge

problem in the infrastructure. However there were few alternatives in Virtual Private

Networks which makes use of the internet to securely transfer data. Under VPN, the

IPLC technology is would be a cost effective for a point -to-point connection across to

branches when compared with MPLS. It also enables to manage and prioritize your

traffic due to the private line. But if a new node is to be added, the cost is clearly

expensive. Since ICT Resources look forward to future expansions, MPLS would be the

best solution to go with since it can make use of a fast reroute feature with QoS. MPLS

also overcomes the leased line drawbacks since leased lines need to connect to all

points in the network individually. And MPLS makes use of lesser hops and improves

the performance as well.

In order to create a secure, reliable and a fast network, the above justifications and

consideration should be taken in to account and implemented which would as result

bring in productivity and efficiency and as well as enable ICT Resources to gain a good

place in the industry.

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4.0 Diagrams

4.1 Overall Network Diagram

23Figure 1 - ICT Resources Network Diagram


According to Figure 1, the network diagram illustrates how the MPLS VPN enables the

3 strategic locations of the organization to communicate via their ISP's. The main local

building, it makes use of a 2Mbps Wi-Max Connection as the primary mode of internet

while having a backup link of 1Mbps ADSL which would be used during a downtime of

Wi-Max connection. These are supported by a load balancing switch which could

intelligently detect the status of servers and chooses the best to work with.

The two connections are connected to two routers of the ISP for security purposes.

There onwards, the ISP's communicate with each other located in other countries via

the PE Routers (Provider Edge). The respective branches of ICT Resource would have

a 1Mbps ADSL connection and makes use of two 24 port switches for the 35 users. The

same concept follows in the other branches as well in which they connect to the ISP

and there onwards the ISP's of the respective countries communicate with each other.

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4.2 LAN Diagram

Figure 2 - Local Area Network Diagram

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It is considered that the 3 separate departments of the building do not necessarily need

to communicate or access files related to other departments. As per Figure 2, The 3

storey building will be partitioned into 3 separate Virtual LANs as HR, Sales and

Engineering in order to maintain security and reduce unnecessary traffic within the

network. Every floor contains a printer with a specific number of users (mentioned in the

Figure 2) which are connected to switches of the respective floor. The switches used

cater a higher number of users than the current amount since it could be utilized during

the expansion.

The ground floor would be used in order to place the servers namely the File Server,

VPN Server and etc... The File Server would contain the commonly accessed data with

authorization while the VPN Server will be used to configure the VPN to connect via the

MPLS. The Proxy server would be placed within the first floor network among the rest of

the servers. The reason for this is because the layer 3 switch could be configured such

that if any request from a port that needs to be filtered would be redirected to the proxy

before leaving the L3 switch. This makes the network more efficient since, only the

necessary traffic would go through the proxy server. Additionally the PDC (Primary

Domain Controller) would be supported by a BDC (Backup Domain Controller) in order

to control the computers of the network as per the client-server.

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5.0 References

Austin, A. (2009). Coaxial Cable Vs. Twisted Pair Cable[online]. Available at:

http://www.ehow.com/about_5517261_coaxial-vs-twisted-pair-cable.html. Accessed on:

6th October 2010.

Cisco Systems Inc.(2003). CCNA: Network Media Types[online]. Available

at:http://www.ciscopress.com/articles/article.asp?p=31276. Accessed on: 6th October

2010.

Das, M.(n.d). MPLS and IPLC[online]. Available at:

http://www.sifycorporate.com/scripts/nov03knowhow.asp#2. Accessed on: 6th October

2010.

Freudenrich, C. (2008). How fiber optics work?[online]. Available at:

http://communication.howstuffworks.com/fiber-optic-communications/fiber-optic.htm.

Accessed on: 7th October 2010.

Turpen, A. (n.d). Different Internet Connection Types & Their Pros and Cons[online].

Available at: http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/connections . Accessed on: 5th

October 2010

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6.0 Bibliography

Anon. (2010). Load Balancing[online]. Available at: http://www.bladenetwork.net/Load-

Balancing.html. Accessed on: 5th October 2010.

Anon. (n.d). Peer to Peer vs. Client/Server Networks[online]. Available at:

http://freepctech.com/pc/002/networks007.shtml

Anon. (n.d). Sample Network Proposal[online]. Available at:

http://people.uwec.edu/hiltonts/101/CBAsample/projectsample.htm. Accessed on: 5th

October 2010.

Bova, R. (n.d). VPNs: The Time is Now?[online]. Available at:

http://www.intranetjournal.com/articles/200110/vpn_10_03_01a.html. Accessed on: 2nd

October 2010.

Brain, M & Grabianowski, E. (n.d). How WiMax works?[online]. Available at:

http://communication.howstuffworks.com/fiber-optic-communications/fiber-optic.htm.

Accessed on: 7th October 2010.

ExcitingIP.com. (2010). Advantages of Internet Leased Lines over Broadband for

Internet Connectivity[online]. Available at: http://www.excitingip.com/668/advantages-of-

internet-leased-lines-over-broadband-for-internet-connectivity/. Accessed on: 1st

October 2010

ExcitingIP.com. (2010). Advantages of MPLS VPN Network over Point to Point Leased

Lines for WAN Connectivity [online]. Available at:

http://www.excitingip.com/668/advantages-of-internet-leased-lines-over-broadband-for-

internet-connectivity/. Accessed on: 1st October 2010

Garson, S.(2010). Do you need MPLS or will an IPL suffice?[online]. Available at:

http://mpls-experts.com/blog/?p=59. Accessed on: 1st October 2010.

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MPLS-Experts.com. (2010). What is MPLS?[online]. Available at: http://mpls-

experts.com/technical/what-is-mpls.html. Accessed on 1st October 2010.

Remy. (2008). Understanding The International Private Leased Circuit (Or IPLC) Line of

Oracle Contact Center[online]. Available at:

http://www.articlealley.com/article_465941_11.html Accessed on: 1st October 2010.

VPN Consortium. (2008). VPN Technologies: Definitions and Requirements[online].

Available at: http://www.vpnc.org/vpn-technologies.html. Accessed on: 2nd October

2010.

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7.0 Appendix

7.1 Gantt Chart

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Marking Sheet

Summary of Agreed Marks and Overall Percentage

Assumptions (10%)

Presentation (10%)

Documentation (15%)

Research Phase & References (15%)

Analysis and Critical thinking (20%)

Report Content (20%)

Diagrams and/or Figures (10%)

Total (100%)

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HSSN – Individual Assignment Final - CB002873

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